Richard H. Trittabaugh, age 78, of New Germany, died Friday April 25, 2008, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Richard was born Oct. 20, 1929, in New Germany, the son of Oscar C. and Anna P. (Hecksel) Trittabaugh.He was baptized Nov. 10, 1929, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany by the Rev. Theodore Rolf, and confirmed at the same church April 18, 1943, by the Rev. Elmer Schwandt.

He was a graduate of Central High School in Norwood Young America, and attended the University of Minnesota for two years.

Richard served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953.

He was united in marriage to Carla Skjoldager July 9, 1955, at Jehovah Lutheran Church in St. Paul by the Rev. E. Drews. Carla died Jan. 27, 1978.

Richard was united in marriage to Susan G. Westlund May 7, 1982, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany by the Rev. Roger Hett.

He was employed as a rural mail carrier for more than 33 years.

Rich was very active at St. Mark Lutheran Church, serving as an elder, an usher, on the finance committee, and on the school board.

He was a member of the New Germany American Legion Post.

Rich enjoyed the outdoors, going fishing, hunting, trapping, and camping. He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa.

In addition to his first wife, Carla, Richard was preceded in death by his father and mother, Oscar and Anna Trittabaugh; and a brother in infancy.

Richard is survived by his loving family: wife Susan Trittabaugh; children and spouses Kim and Garlen Gruenhagen of Clear Lake, Becky and Dan Carlson of Baudette, Gregg and Barbara Trittabaugh, Douglas and Shannon Trittabaugh, all of Lester Prairie, and Kay Trittabaugh and special friend Casey Hoskins of New Germany; grandchildren Jessica, Bobbi Jo, Cody, Taylor, Jack, Noah, Lauren, and Karlee; and great-grandchildren Kelvin, Makayla, LaTrez, and Madison.

He is further survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Grace Westlund of Mayer; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Sandra and Merlin Hilk of Waconia, Eldon and Mary Westlund of Mayer, Sandi and Terry Davis of Woodbury, and Georgia Schwanabeck of Florida; nieces; nephews; cousins; and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service took place Wednesday, April 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany with the Rev. Allen Holthus officiating. Interment was in the Crow River Cemetery in New Germany.